~ A PRAYER & A HOPE~

I have borrowed wisdom from some wise & holy servants, kindly read them. I believe them to be relevant in today's current affairs.

"Be the change you want to see in the world. All the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that nothing lives in this world but Truth."
Mohandas Gandhi
"We must become the change we want to see."
Mahatma Gandhi
"Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected"
"Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong"
Mahatma Gandhi

In making my post for the New Year my thoughts were obscured considering the recent happenings in our world of "lost" HUMANITIES .....I was feeling adrift, cynical, demoralized, irreparable and defeated, exactly how "they" wanted me to feel!!

So, with some thought I decided to make this a purposeful & tenacious post, truthful and most importantly HOPEFUL. With that being said

I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE, WORLDWIDE A MOST REFRESHING & CHANGING NEW YEAR. MAY 2008 BRING US THE COURAGE TO STAND UP FOR WHAT IS ETHICAL, TO SPEAK OUR MINDS, TO AIR OUR DIFFERENCES, TO DEBATE OUR POLITICS, BUT, MOST IMPORTANTLY TO DO SO WITH PLACIDITY, TRANQUILITY AND with PEACE IN OUR HEARTS:)

I realize that sounds like a very heavy purpose, but I like to think it can be accomplished. If it only means that one person smiles at his neighbor, one person tosses a dollar in a homeless persons hat, one person signs up for local volunteer duty, one person reclaims their faith, one person gives what is so invaluable, their TIME to aid a productive cause then wouldn't our New Year start off well:) Let's all be that one person, which in turn will be many!!

God Bless us all, God Bless the USA, and God Bless those with hate in their hearts, may they find love & the path to freedom............ Cheers to a new and aspiring, constructive and positive 2008!!!

Now, go out there and not only Hug Life, Embrace it with all you have and all you are ^-^

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY 2008 BRING US ALL THAT IS "GOOD" AND MAY WE SHARE ALL THE "GOOD" THAT IS IN US:)

~A GREAT LOSS~

I AM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS. ALL I HAVE LEFT IN ME ARE PRAYERS FOR MS. BHUTTO AND HER LOVED ONES.

~CURMUDGEONLY~

I have re-read my last post a few times and I believe I have made a HUGE mistake!! I have been complaining about the actions of others and insinuating that their bad behavior has given Christmas a surly message. WRONG!! This would only be true if I ALLOWED this to happen. CHRISTmas is a "moment in time" to celebrate the most amazing "moment in time" for all Christians, and if I am to profess to Christianity than I must behave in a Christian fashion!! I do not have the right to judge nor should I. I do not have the right to complain, nor should I. I do not have the right to decide what is right for others, nor should I. With that made clear I SIMPLY WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY, MERRY CHRISTMAS. I hope and pray that we will someday not worry about anger, resentments, wars, poverty, sickness and the more frivolous things I previoulsy mentioned....... gifts, traffic and personality flaws....but until that day I shall THANK GOD for ALL the goodness in our world we so often forget to acknowledge.

There is such beauty around us from our glorious & abundant mountain ranges to our capacious azure oceans...There is such beauty around us including kind & loving people of all races and creeds...There is such beauty around us as there are those that give of themselves to offer help to those in need and to those wonderful peeps I say AMEN and THANK YOU. May this season find you all healthy, prosperous and loved.......... and may I remember all of the above:-)
HUG LIFE, Marylou

~The Last Christmas~

See this little kitty, cute isn't she?? But sad:( Well, we were chatting and we both felt rather discouraged as it seems to US that Christmas is simply NOT what it used to be. I remember when you could walk into a store and hear Christmas music, or you could stop in town and see a grand Nativity display or you would see the smiling faces of people, excited to make their Christmas purchases and return home to wrap their presents, decorate their tree and make some egg nog!! Well, it seems like that is all a memory. I do not hear the music, nor do I see the Nativity scene and I think people are usually in such a hurry and well, gosh, they are simply behaving badly!! Cars are honking at me cause I am not driving fast enough and some go as far as to wave at me with one finger????? AND...what is up with this HAPPY HOLIDAYS greeting?? Is it Arbor Day? Memorial Day? St. Patricks Day???? NO, it is Christmas. Therefore why can't we say MERRY CHRISTMAS?????ARGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!I wish we could get back to the way things were but I am afraid with all this nonsense of separation of church and state activists have taken things simply too far.......and they have taken away MY RIGHT to have a MERRY CHRISTMAS. Last time I checked this country of ours was founded on the right to celebrate GOD and I don't believe we changed any of the Constitution lately, although there are those who would like to!! So, with that said I would like to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. I TRULY DON'T CARE HOW YOU CELEBRATE AND I RESPECT THE FASHION IN WHICH YOU DO SO.... IF IT IS A MENORAH, A BUDDA OR A FIG LEAF BLESS YOU AS IT DOES NOT MATTER AN INFINITESIMAL DEGREE TO ME, JUST PLEASE BE SURE TO CELEBRATE!!!
And, Please Don't Forget to..............Hug Life, Marylou ^-^

~THEN AND NOW~

Well, a few things have changed from my last post:) The kids are now adults and living on their own, decorating their own homes! Whoa.....again, not sure where the time went but the train certainly left the depot and I was not aboard:( So, this is my tree for 2007....smaller and I noticed the ornaments have slightly changed. I used to have the most precious ornies ever, made by the kids. Usually a round ball with their name in glitter, a home made critter made from walnut shells and the obligatory but fun school picture framed with popcicle sticks:-) I have saved them all and may package them in a neat box with a ribbon as a Christmas gift, one for Tony and one for Francesca. They can add them to their trees and share with their children who I hope will be conceived during my lifetime!!!!!!! (big grin here) I took some pics so you can now see more boating thingys (DH loves sailing) and I notice more squirrels ^-^. My Nativity Set is smaller in size but not in faith!!! Of all that has grown, the most precious to me is my faith. Each day I come closer to our Lord and I am so grateful for that:) Enjoy a fews pics of my Nativity, my sailor's fave ornies and my squirrels. Nothing fancy but all showing our loves, our faith and our hopes and dreams. AND our gratitude for each day God gives us:) May you all have your own hopes and dreams and may you all have a stong faith, no matter the religion, just be sure you have a higher being you can trust and pray to, that is all it takes:)
Hug Life, Marylou

~YESTERDAY~

Yes it was only yesterday:-) Well, not quite:( This picture was taken in 1993 and my daughter was home for Christmas from college. Helping her decorate the tree was her brother who was 14 years old. She is now 32 and he is 28...where have the years gone?? I tell ya, life happened and someone forgot to tell me. How can I have two grown children, I am a young, youthful gal:-) Well, gal is correct ^-^ I was looking thru some boxes of pics and wanted to share with ya. I passed by the ones of the kids when they were 4, 5 and 6..too painful!! This one was difficult enough!! Nah..I am not complaining. I am so "blessed" to be their mom and have the wonderful family & life I have:) I just wanna know how long I was in the coma????????????????
HUG LIFE, Marylou

~Wasn't It Just Easter??????????~

Okay, correct me if I am wrong but wasn't it just Easter??? I know Thanksgiving came early this year, we are still in the month of November with a whole week left and yesterday I saw cars toting their freshly purchased Christmas trees home!!! How are they gonna keep those puppies green till Christmas? Even in water my trees when bought during the first week of December dry, droop and drizzle by Christmas Eve and I like to keep her up till after New Years so by then I have that "Charlie Brown" tree syndrome:-( I digress, back to the issue at hand. I could have sworn I was just basting the Easter Ham and this past Thursday I had a Turkey in the oven. YIKES....time is going by and everyone forgot to tell me!!! I know, I am simply getting older...bawaaaaahhhaaaaaa....I don't mind aging, BUT God, please don't let me forget it:-) Well, I have made a list for DH today. Gotta get the Christmas lights up outside, pull my boxed Christmas decorations out of the black hole (the black hole is my name for our garage, once something is placed in there it is never to be found again) I imagine I should prepare the fireplace mantle for my clever new Christmas decor, uhuh, the same one I have used for the past 7 years or so:) Now, I am NOT complaining...I love Christmas. I just want to make sure it doesn't happen without ME!! Happy Holidays ya all!
Hug Life, Marylou
ps. I think I had better check my Zen manual for all this, there must be some chant or meditation I can incorporate for ENJOYING EACH DAY AS IT COMES ^-^

~HAPPY THANKSGIVING~

Not just this Thanksgiving day but every day I am thankful for the many gifts that surround me. The appreciation I hold for the beauty of our crisp blue skies, twinkling stars, cresting seas, curvaceous mountains AND the cherished love of our family and friends overwhelms me. These are my most precious and sacred gifts which I hold dear to my heart each and every new day God grants me. To all of you amazing, brave & generous gals in blogland I wish for you the most wonderful Thanksgiving Day:) Enjoy the turkey & gravy & pumpkin pie, BUT, RELISH with PASSION the loved ones you sit and share your meal with:)AND..........don't ever forget to:
Hug Life, Marylou

Giving Thanks

For the hay and the corn and the wheat that is reaped,
For the labor well done, and the barns that are heaped,
For the sun and the dew and the sweet honeycomb,
For the rose and the song and the harvest brought home --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the trade and the skill and the wealth in our land,
For the cunning and strength of the workingman's hand,
For the good that our artists and poets have taught,
For the friendship that hope and affection have brought --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

For the homes that with purest affection are blest,
For the season of plenty and well-deserved rest,
For our country extending from sea unto sea;
The land that is known as the "Land of the Free" --
Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving!

~Author Unknown

~~~~~~~~

~ZEN KITTY~

Wavy Gravy once asked a Zen Roshi, "What happens after death?"
The Roshi replied, "I don't know."
Wavy protested, "But you're a Zen Master!"
"Yes," the Roshi admitted, "but I'm not a dead Zen Master."
Well, since most of what I have learned so far is 10 fold over and beyond my comprehension I resort to humor:-) Yes, my name is Marylou and I am addicted to humor!!

I have been learning about "sitting" (zazen) which is the meditative portion of ZEN, the most important. It involves the position of ones spine, breathing properly and being a contortionist:) JK.....Once you are in a "sitting" position on a cushion, legs crossed with your feet resting on your thighs, hands together with thumbs touching leveled at your navel, eyes open but sorta closed, it's not as simplistic as is sounds, you may begin:) If one cannot clear one's mind and center himself then ZEN is not really gonna work for ya....the analogy used in my book refers to "jumping monkeys"...YEP...apparently we all have "jumping monkeys" in our minds and we need to rid ourselves of them to find clarity. Anyone gotta bunch of bananas????? I am condensing here immensely and taking liberal license, but since it is MY blog I don't have any issues with that. I am having difficulties with clearing my mind...no snide remarks please, have gotten those from my loved ones and let me simply say this, they only said it one time!!!!! I am still on my path, trying to find my way ZEN style. I may have to make a few adjustments here and there and decide what works best for me. To be a complete ZEN student one must be very disciplined and this is an attribute lacking in my "being" so I have taken a few shortcuts here and there. I think as long as I stay on the path, Dharma, I may certainly choose which fork in the road to follow:) Now, go out there and free yourself of those darn monkeys, find clarity, be at peace with the world and don't forget to............HUG LIFE!!! Marylou

~FRIENDS~

Last night I had the pleasure of chatting with our dear friend Carole. So ladies here is the scoop:) She is doing well, her attitude is "fantabulous" and she is one strong woman!! She is having frequent physical therapy visits but considering what she has been thru this gal is moving forward. The computer is still difficult for her but she will return to blogging as soon as she can. She sends her love to all and thanks everyone for the kind messages and good wishes:)

We could have spoken for hours, two kindred pals with many seasons in common. She is the yin of my yang:-) Her engaging spirit and affable manner touches my heart.... The beauty of her words and gentle kindness left me in awe of this lady I call my comrade, buddy & pal.

I am so happy and I feel so blessed to be considered her friend so I leave you with this message:

"OF ALL THE BLOSSOMS IN LIFE'S GARDEN,
FRIENDSHIP IS THE MOST FRAGRANT"
Hug Life, Marylou:)

~RELAX~

I have been doing alot of nothing lately:) Don't ya just love when that happens?? Yesterday was nada, today was zip and tomorrow is I don't know:-) Well, the truth be told I have been up to something...now, please don't anyone get their panties in a knot on this one because I am a Christian gal. With much research I have learned one can be of faith and also delve in Zen! Yep...I have been listening to Gregorian Chants and reading about Zen. Trying to uncomplicate my life and make this process as basic as I can for myself and my family. I told DH he can come along for the ride or bear my rath......so........he has chosen wisely:-) I am only in the beginning stages of learning so I shall keep you all posted and current with my progress. Wish me luck with my journey into the realm of calmness, tranquility and placidity.
Peace and Hug Life, Zen style:) Marylou

~THANK YOU~

My son is home, safe and sound! I want to thank all of you who so givingly shared your prayers for him and his comrades. I can't begin to explain the relief I feel and I am so eternally grateful for the ANGELS he had surrounding him and his brothers as they fought this horrific inferno. I will certainly keep vigil for those still on duty, not only in Southern CA but for all those fine young men and women who are in some way serving a civic or national duty in our name.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND MAY YOU ALL ARRIVE HOME SAFELY:)
Hug life, Marylou

~What They Don't Tell You~

I received my first phone call from my son yesterday. He is safe and for that I am so grateful. Thank you for your circle of prayers:)

What you don't hear on the news......My son informed me that the generosity of people has been over whelming. The firefighters have been given plenty of food, water, along with love and appreciation...and all this from strangers. It is an amazing community that has embraced these brave men and women and the out pour of volunteers has been staggering. The victims (yes that is how I feel for the poor souls who lost their homes and precious belongings since it is being called arson) are also feeling this tremendous giving experience. They may have lost their homes but not their spirit and for that I am grateful. I am in awe of the constant kindness that surrounds the raging inferno, what a beautiful display of strength, faith & hope from those who have lost so much. I am PROUD that my son is able to be simply "one" of many who are able to participate in the saving and healing process. I am honored to be "human" today:) We can be such an incredible species and I certainly prefer our behavior when we act in this fashion. No hate, no wars, no disenchantment with each others faith, ethnicity or class. Life can be wonderful even after tragedy.

The fires are still burning so please keep everyone in your daily prayers. Thanks so very much:)

Hug Life......Marylou
PS...My son shook the hand of the President of the United States yesterday! He had his picture taken with him along with the rest of the crew and I will receive a copy and proudly display it in my home. My son shall never forget that moment as the President thanked him and each member of the Novato Fire Dept. individually for their service. I shall never forget the pride in my son's voice as he shared this moment with me via phone. OH...my, life is so GOOD:)

~I NEED YOUR PRAYERS~

I just received a call from my daughter-in-law telling me that my son is on his way to San Diego and the current devastating fires. I ask this for ALL the young men and women who will be fighting this wicked inferno, PLEASE keep them in your prayers. Thanks so very much! Marylou

A Fireman's Life
A fireman's life is one big surprise,
Usually he laughs, sometimes he cries.
There's always stress, toil and strife,
Hoping he's good enough to save just one life.

His wife understands, when he misses dinner,
If he runs out of church, don't think he's a sinner.
Answering a call, is tops on his list,
Regretting each one he's ever missed.

He tries and tries, but can't make us see,
The happiest men, still work for free.
Jumping from bed, fighting the cold,
Knowing what to do, without being told.

He rushes to the station, jumps on a truck.
Depending on skill, never on luck.
Putting his life on the line, for an unknown friend,
Hoping and praying, it won't be the end.
"The Bravest Men in the World", the title is fitting,
They all do their best, never come close to quitting.
Next time you see them, all their lights blinking,
Take just a minute, to think what they're thinking.

It's a hard job, so show them you care,
And help them out, with a little prayer.

-- Daniel S. Driscoll. --

~ANOTHER YEAR, THANK YOU GOD~

HI GOD, IT'S JUST ME AGAIN, MARYLOU.....:) I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER YEAR. IT IS SO THOUGHTFUL OF YOU TO SEND ME RAINBOWS, LUSH GREEN FORRESTS, BREATH TAKING SUNRISES AND SUNSETS, BEAUTIFUL OCEANS AND GLORIOUS ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANGES...I THINK YOUR BEST GIFT IS THE GIFT OF LIFE YOU HAVE BESTOWED UPON ME AND I THANK YOU SO MUCH! YES, THERE HAVE BEEN HARDSHIPS BUT THRU THOSE DIFFICULT TIMES YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME MUCH. I KNOW, WITH YOU BY MY SIDE I CAN DO ANYTHING:) THANKS AGAIN AND KNOW I THINK OF YOU EVERYDAY, EVERY HOUR, EVERY MOMENT!
HUGS, YOUR DAUGHTER, MARYLOU
PS...THANK YOU SWEET MARY, AKA ISABELLASCLOSET, FOR MAKING THIS BEAUTIFUL TAG:)

~CALLING ALL GIRLFRIENDS~

Calling All Girlfriends:) I have heard that Carole, from ScoundrelsRogues, is not feeling well. She had a rather difficult surgery and has been suffering with complications. I thought..... yeah..I had a lightbulb moment:)..... that we could all send her regular mail get well cards. If you write me from your blog I would be tickled pink to give you my snail mail addy. This way I can collect the cards for Carole, and when I have a nice amount I shall box them up all pretty for her with lots of tissue, glitter, sparklie thingies and all the goodies she loves. She is such a loving and caring gal and I am hoping this little gesture will let her know how much we all care. Thanks so much and feel free to email me with any questions:)
Now, go out there and HUG LIFE.......Marylou

~Happy Autumn~

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in,
and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch. Happy Fall!

I know this lovely verse has been floating around but I love it so much and simply felt a need to share with you. I don't think we can "hear" good words often enough:)
Hug Life, Marylou

~WHAT A GAL:-)~

Meet Egad! Yep, that is his name. My DEAR friend, Ellen sent him to me and I am so jazzed!! I collect vintage squirrels, new ones too:-) She so thoughtfully found this little guy for me, boxed him up and he arrived here on Saturday. DH was home and as I opened the box he said, "hey, he even has nuts":-) DH was referring to the salt and pepper shakers, I think??????

Anyhoo....I am amazed each day as I read someones blog, drop a note and they respond in kind.... but to receive a gift, just because, well, it is rather akin to "life is good" and reminds me there are many, many sweet & thoughtful peeps out there in this great big world of ours. Albeit we hear of the good, bad and ugly each day on the daily news please remember, the "good" stand out above the rest!! Thank you E...:-)
Hug Life, Marylou

~WE ARE WISE:-)~

"Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey wrod"

I saw this the other day and it reminded me how resourceful the human mind is and how very smart we are:) Read the above sentences and even though it looks like another language you will be amazed at how well you do. It also brings to mind the new world of texting and as I watch my kids, both adults now, text message all the time as though it was so easy "I don't get it":) Well, I tried and tried and WOWZA...I barely could send one sentence as it took me forever:) Think I will stick to the phone and simply dial:) Just some fun for today.......Happy Friday everyone and wishing you all a "fantabulous" week-end!
Hug Life, Marylou

~FOR AMY~

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength"

This blog entry is for Amy:) The little squirrel is singing praise in your name:) On a personal note I would like to say this...I admire you Amy!! Your courageous journey and your willingness to share with us your trials and tribulations has been amazing. I want you to know that thru YOU I feel an inner strength and have learned what the word COURAGE truly means. Thank you for showing us all what one can do when faced with adversity. Blessings to you and your family:) Sending much love and hugs your way, Marylou

~MY BEST FRIEND:)~

Seems like I have not blogged for a long time..well, it has been awhile. I am preparing for a trip I shall be making:) I am so jazzed...I will be leaving on Sept. 18th to visit my sister, Giovanna, who lives in Arizona. I have not seen her since last November so this will truly be a wonderful and much deserved visit for us both!! My DH will be holding down the fort here and I get to spend 10 delightful days with my best friend, pal, buddy, confidante, sister and all around most amazing gal I have ever known. Now, I am not just saying that because she is my sister:) Really, every life she has touched has been "blessed" by her loyalty, kindness and friendship. She has been a rock for me, a stabilizer and fabulous support thru my life and continues to hold me up when I sometimes fall. BUT..most importantly we shall be together for 10 glorious days which will include girl talk, laughing, reminiscing of "old times" and simply having a grand visit.

So, if ya don't hear from me for awhile please know I shall return with pics and hopefully fun stories:) Thanks for the nice emails asking about my whereabouts...it is nice to know you all care. I LOVE this blogland community:)
Ciao girls and please, don't forget to...........HUG LIFE........Marylou

~WEEK-END WIDOW~

I am a overtime widow this week-end:( Yep...my DH has been mandated to work on a project that must be completed by Labor Day so the house is still..quiet & serene:) Just me and my kitty, Sassy girl!! I have some lovely angelic music playing, I am sipping a delish Arnold Palmer (iced tea & lemonade) and I am truly enjoying the solitude. So, I have been totally checking out blogs:-) WOOHOO....there are so many beautiful blogs and talented ladies out there! I noticed many of you sweet gals love sea shells and ocean themes as I do so I took 2 pics for ya. One is of my seaglass I collect. The other is of pebbles and stones I have "borrowed" from the sea:) This is truly a tiny glimpse as I think my small cottage has more sea glass, sea shells and sea themed items than one petite bungalow can hold......but.......I love it as does DH...all I need now is the water around me and I would then be in sea heaven:-) Happy Labor Day to everyone, wishing you all a safe and fun holiday.........and ya know what I gotta say...yep, don't forget to HUG LIFE
Peace, Marylou
ps..Just a footnote, DH & I always take colored bottles with us on our beach jaunts and replace and restore the ocean. Makes us feel like we are giving back, not simply taking:-)

~REPRISE~

Awwwwwwww...yesterday my most special fella came over and took me to lunch. WOOHOO:-) The special fella is my son, Tony! We went to the most delightful Italian restaurant and dined on wild salmon over a bed of polenta...Can we all say YUMMMMMEEEEEEEE!! Tony not only took my mind off the last few silly days of drama he also took me to a fun second hand store where I found this BEAUTY, Gift From The Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh:-) I am gonna share some of the pics with ya cause they truly put a smile on my face. I love the ocean so for me this is very special...between Tony's visit, our divine lunch and my special find, life is good again:-) A big shout out goes to you all for your words of encouragement..this blogging community never ceases to amaze me. Your love and kind messages inspired me..YUP..I did it!! I smiled, grinned, greeted and almost mowed down every poor soul who crossed my path yesterday:-) Tony even asked me, "Mom, are you okay??? You seem rather extra happy:) I explained to him the previous days events and he smiled, put his head down, touched my hand and said....."Mom, I LOVE YOU"..awwwwwwwwwww, I tell ya, it just don't get much better than that!! Rock on ladies and PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO HUG LIFE!!! Marylou

~DRAMA~

I have a heavy load today!! Well, it happened!! I am an eBay seller and have been doing this for the past 8 years or so. I have been "blessed" with lovely customers as well as making many new friends:) Recently I had a customer purchase an item from me. While I was packaging the item I dropped it!! YEP...and it was breakable and it became damaged. I immediately refunded the customer in full explaining what had happened. This did not please her and she decided she wanted the item, no matter what!! Well, this would have been okay except I had tossed the item and no longer had it in my "hot little hands"......I tried to appease her to no avail. Even though she received a refund in full she was not happy and accused me of many devious actions I shall not go into. Problem is this...LIFE IN GENERAL IS TOUGH FOR ME RIGHT NOW...I have some personal issues I am trying to bravely deal with, therefore I have NO ROOM FOR DRAMA. I have reported the situation to eBay along with all the emails etc....I don't know what shall happen but it makes me sad because...I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO COMPASSION...WHERE DID IT GO??? HOW DID WE LOSE IT??? DOES ONE HUMAN WHO IS HURTING NOT COME TO THE AID OF ANOTHER??? I don't understand how as a society we simply seem to no longer CARE. We worry about our cars, our homes, our bank accounts but NOT OUR FELLOW MAN. YEAH...THINK ABOUT IT FOR A MOMENT OR TWO....WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE AT THE MALL, OR GROCERY STORE OR GAS STATION AND SOMEONE GAVE YOU A SMILE, A GOOD DAY OR A HELLO????? Well, I am not gonna give up...tomorrow when I go to do my errands I shall smile at every person I see:) I may even say "hi"...I may go as far as to say "hope ya have a good day"....if you hear of a woman arrested for "being too friendly" please come bail me out!! I have a feeling most folks will think I am "crazy".....such a sad commentary for us all!
Hug Life, Marylou

~CHERRY QUEEN:-)~

OH MY GOSH...........isn't she pretty?? Yep, that is my mom:) She was voted Cherry Queen of her small town when she was but 16 years old...maybe 18, sorry I don't remember. Better check with my sis G:-) Anyhoo...I am just delighted to have these fun pics to share. I am so PROUD of her, not only was she rather pretty but she was very smart. Funny, we don't think our parents are smart until we get older and then they become geniuses:-) Thanks for trippin' down memory lane with me.
Hug Life, Marylou

~DAD~

After I completed by blog yesterday I knew it was missing something......of course, my DAD!!!
Affectionately know to me as "Pop" he is missed as much as my mom. He too always had words of wisdom to which I turned a deaf ear...yeah, like I knew anything!!! Had I listened to him more often my life would have been an easier ride! I miss you both so very much and........ you both are always in my heart with your footprints embedded in my soul!
Love you POP!!!!
Your daughter,
Me

~MOM~

I was thinking of my mom today and how much I MISS her!!! So this post is for her. I know she is in heaven with my dad but I am hoping she takes a peek now and then to make sure I am not in too much trouble:) Mom, I love you and I miss you!! AND..you were right...in everything you told me. Just wanted to say that because you deserve to hear it:)
Always with love,
your daughter, Me

~THEFT~

My daughter and her friend, the doctor (BIG SMILE HERE) came by yesterday to take me out to lunch to my fave restaurant in town. We had a FANTABULOUS lunch with delish food, a wonderful ambiance, & great conversation. As we sat outside on a beautiful CA sunshiny day we chatted a good 2 hours away:) We left and as we arrived to the car Dr. Dave noticed he had forgotten his digi camera on the table. He returned, which maybe took 10 minutes, and when he arrived back at the restaurant he was told they did NOT SEE THE CAMERA ...DO YOU KNOW HOW BIG A DIGITAL CAMERA WITH A CASE IS?? It is NOT a small item that one would accidentally throw away or NOT see...we are SURE someone decided they needed one and decided to abscond Dr. Dave's...the owner/manager of the restaurant was RUDE...BLANTANTLY RUDE!!!! We filed a police report but doubt anything shall be done. SO........$750.00 for lunch is rather pricey and..... I feel so bad for Dr. D AND I SHALL NEVER, EVER, EVER RETURN TO THAT RESTAURANT AGAIN...I SHALL ALSO ADVISE MY FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME.....EGAD, SOMETIMES PEOPLE DISAPPOINT ME:(
Peace......Marylou

~FRIENDS~

Isn't she beautiful??? I simply love this picture and since I have a dear friend I call "Hooters" I wanted to post this just for her:) Owls are not only gorgeous on the outside but inside as well......kind, wise and loyal:) Just like my friend, so hereya go Carole!
Hug Life,
Peace....Marylou

~THE FLITTER~

OH YEAH....I am totally out of the loop today!! Been flittin' round all mornin' and still nothing is done! Wish I could figure out what it is I flit??? Starts like this...I pick up my cup of coffee and take it to the sink...there I see my glasses so I grab em and walk to my bedroom to set them on my nightstand...there I see my latest novel and think....hmmmmm...I could read just ONE chapter:).......then I go to sit in my big comfy chair and see DUST on the side table......so I go back to the kitchen to get a dust cloth where I see the chocolate cake on the counter and........ without batting an eye I cut a piece for MOI and pour MOI a glass of milk....I then come by the computer and think I had better tell someone about my "oh so productive" day:-) So, here I am, flittin' around:-)
Now, don't flit.......go make it a CONSTRUCTIVE DAY:-)
Hug Life
Peace, Marylou

~SISTERS~

My sister and I.....a "few" years ago:-) I love her with all that I am!! So, G..this is for you!!
Sisters are different. They heard the sobbing in the darkness.

They lived through all your triumphs, all your favorites,

all your loves and losses. They have no delusions.

They lived with you too long.

And so, when you achieve some victory, friends are delighted -

but sisters hold your hands in silence and shine with happiness.

For they know the cost.

Pam Brown

Because I must always have humor in my life I have indulged in this lovely quote as well:-)

She is your mirror, shining back at you with a

world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your

worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime,

your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are

smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.

Some days, she's the reason

you wish you were an only child.

Barbara Alpert



Hug Life,
Marylou

~ I WON~

Oh my gosh.....I WON:-) YAHOO, WOOHOO, YIPPY SKIPPY and it's about time!! (only kidding on the last one) If ya know me personally then you know this...I NEVER win nada, nothing, zilch, zero, etc...etc...I used to live in Lake Tahoe and maybe on occasion would try my hand at gambling..HAH...never won a jackpot!!! When my kids were young they attended Parochial schools and we constantly had fund raisers. I purchased more raffle tickets than anyone I know, mainly cause I did not want my kids bothering others when selling them. I also bought ALL the Girl Scout cookies so my daughter would not pester the neighbors..go figure!...I digress...... Point is I have never won a prize. Well, my day has ARRIVED....I won the "caption" quote contest from Lallees Cottage:) This little bee was a photo she snapped and asked us to offer a caption for him:) I think LALLEE should win a prize for the photo!!!! I offered this....."Float like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee"....can't take the credit...it is from the Greatest Boxer that ever lived, Muhammad Ali:-) Thanks so much Lallee....this is such fun:)
Hug Life
Peace,
Marylou

~THIS GAL ROCKS~

My dear sweet bud, Zoe, from Casa-Preciosa at ebay has the most "fantabulous" shabby chic items available. You gotta go check her out...simply go to ebay and do a seller search for Casa-Preciosa and then visit her ME page. This gal has "the look" and you will fall in love with her treasures:) Go take a gander, she has the most grand cottage decorating ideas for your CASA!!
Hug Life,
Peace, Marylou

~AND I LOVE HER:-)~

She is my pal, buddy, confidante, and all around best friend:-) She puts a smile on my face when I feel down and knows when I am stressed or simply unhappy. Her name is "SASSY" and I love her:) I think she loves me back:-) We are quite the pair, just a couple of clowns short of a circus:-)
Hug Life,
Peace...Marylou